Dave Trimingham has been named managing director of planning consultancy Turley, taking responsibility for all operational matters currently dealt with by chief executive Rob Lucas, while Lucas will retain a strategic role.

Trimingham has been with Turley for 16 years, and has nearly 30 years’ experience in planning and development. He has previously led both the Leeds and Manchester offices of Turley, and was appointed to the board in 2014.

From 1 June 2016, he will move into the newly created managing director role to oversee Turley’s £20m business, which provides planning, design, heritage, economics, sustainability and engagement services across 11 offices in the UK. Trimingham will be based in the Manchester office.

Speaking to Place North West, Turley chief executive Rob Lucas said that the decision to appoint a managing director “reflects the growth and scale of the business”.

“Essentially my role is being split into its two parts, strategic and operational.” He said. “Due to the size of the business now, that’s become too much for one person.”

Trimingham’s appointment will enable Lucas to reduce his hours at Turley, but he said that he had no plans to exit the business. In his strategic role, he will look at how the planning consultancy can develop and extend its status in the UK market

He said: “Dave has a great blend of planning and commercial skills to bring to his leadership. I look forward to working with him in the continuing development of our Company. My congratulations go to Dave. He has the full support of the board and our 225 co-owners.”